My boyfriend's hurting my feelings!

"My boyfriend and I were hanging out the other day and he started pinching at my stomach and saying 'chubby chubby chubby'. It kind of hurt my feelings since I'm self-conscious and try not to be when I'm around him. I know he was just kidding, but how can I let him know it really hurt my feelings without seeming mean?" -Riana, 17

Hey Riana, my motto is honesty is the best policy. So I'd wait for another time when you guys are just hanging out together alone and just say something like "Hey, remember the other day when you were pinching my stomach and teasing me - well, it hurt my feelings and I'd like to tell you why" then proceed to just let him know why it hurt your feelings. You don't have to dump all your body drama on your guy - but if he is special enough to be called a boyfriend then he is special enough to know why it upset you. And by pretending that it is OK when it's not - is just setting up a fake relationship with him - one where you can't be fully who you are. Let him know you love hanging with him but want him to be more sensitive about what he says. You can find a way to deliver this to him with humor or sweetness - just don't sell your feelings short. Speak up and speak your mind - if he really cares about how you feel, he'll listen and find another way to connect with you and kid with you!